Which Is the Best Car Engine?

The best car engine depends on what you value, but for most drivers in 2025 the standout all-round choice is Toyota’s 2.5-liter “Dynamic Force” hybrid (A25A-FXS paired with Toyota Hybrid System), which combines class-leading efficiency (around 41% peak thermal efficiency), proven reliability, low operating costs, and broad availability in mainstream models like the Camry and RAV4. For pure performance, Chevrolet’s 5.5-liter LT6 V8 in the Corvette Z06 is the benchmark naturally aspirated engine, while Mercedes-AMG’s M139 2.0-liter turbo remains the power-density champion in four cylinders. In innovation, Koenigsegg’s “Tiny Friendly Giant” camless three-cylinder sets the bar. If you’re considering electric, modern permanent‑magnet synchronous motors deliver unmatched efficiency and response, redefining what “best powertrain” can mean.

How to Define “Best”: The Criteria That Matter

“Best” changes with context: a commuter needs something different from a track-day enthusiast or a long-haul road tripper. The criteria below outline how experts and shoppers commonly evaluate engines across daily use, performance, and long-term ownership.

• Efficiency and emissions: fuel economy and real-world consumption; regulatory compliance.
• Reliability and durability: failure rates, known issues, and longevity under normal maintenance.
• Performance: power, torque curve, throttle response, and specific output.
• Refinement: noise, vibration, harshness (NVH), and smoothness.
• Cost of ownership: purchase price, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation risks.
• Technology and future-proofing: hybridization, compatibility with e-fuels or biofuels, and serviceability.
• Packaging and weight: how the engine’s size and mass affect handling, interior space, and crash structure.

No single engine aces every category; the best choices make the smartest trade-offs for a given use case and budget.

Best Overall for Most Drivers: Toyota’s 2.5L Dynamic Force Hybrid

Toyota’s A25A-FXS 2.5L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder paired with its latest hybrid system delivers a rare combination: frugal fuel use, strong resale, and near-appliance reliability without feeling slow. In the 2025 Camry (now hybrid-only), it delivers a combined 225 hp (FWD) or 232 hp (AWD), with typical U.S. real-world economy in the mid-to-high 40s mpg, depending on trim and driving. Thermal efficiency around 41%—exceptional for a mass-market engine—keeps fuel bills and CO₂ down, while the e-CVT’s simplicity reduces maintenance complexity compared with many multi-gear automatics.

Availability across high-volume models (Camry, RAV4, Highlander, and Lexus siblings) means parts and service expertise are widely accessible. For a broad audience that prioritizes cost, practicality, and reliability, it’s the most complete solution in 2025.

Category Leaders: Where Other Engines Shine

If your priorities are more specialized—ultimate performance, cutting-edge tech, or tuning potential—these category standouts show how “best” can vary by goal.

• Best naturally aspirated performance: Chevrolet LT6 5.5L V8 (Corvette Z06) — 670 hp at stratospheric rpm with a flat-plane crank, arguably the most thrilling NA V8 on sale.
• Best power density (production 4-cyl): Mercedes-AMG M139 2.0L turbo — up to 476 hp in longitudinal form (as used with hybridization), setting the benchmark for hp per liter.
• Best all-round turbo six: BMW B58 3.0L inline-six — broad torque, smoothness, tuning headroom, and strong reliability record across multiple BMW models.
• Best exotic tech: Koenigsegg TFG 2.0L 3-cyl Freevalve — camless control, multi-fuel capability, and up to ~600 hp on E85; a glimpse of a flexible combustion future.
• Best track endurance NA six: Porsche 4.0L flat-six (911 GT3) — race-bred response and durability at high rpm, with road manners and warranty support.
• Best small-displacement everyday efficiency: Toyota M20A-FXS 2.0L hybrid — similar thermal efficiency to the 2.5L, excellent in compact cars and crossovers.
• Best heavy-duty towing (gasoline, mainstream): GM small-block V8s (latest LT family) — robust, simple architecture with abundant parts and service know-how.
• Electric benchmark (motor, not engine): Modern PMSM units (e.g., Tesla, Lucid) — 90%+ efficiency, instant torque, compact packaging; they reset expectations for performance per kilogram.

These winners highlight divergent strengths: some chase lap times, others lower bills or engineering novelty. Picking among them comes down to how you’ll actually use the vehicle.

Combustion vs. Electric: What Today’s “Best” Means

Internal combustion engines are peaking in sophistication, but electrification increasingly dictates real-world performance and efficiency. Hybrid engines like Toyota’s are optimized to work with electric assistance, squeezing out efficiency gains that pure ICE setups struggle to match. Meanwhile, battery-electric powertrains use permanent‑magnet synchronous motors for unmatched response and efficiency; for many buyers, the “best powertrain” already means electric, provided charging access and trip patterns fit.

What Should You Buy? Recommendations by Use Case

To convert the categories above into practical choices, match your typical driving to the engine characteristics that matter most for you.

• Daily commuting and family duty: Toyota 2.5L Dynamic Force hybrid (Camry, RAV4) for low fuel costs and low hassle.
• Long highway miles: Efficient hybrids (Toyota/Lexus) or modern diesel where available; consider EV if you have reliable DC fast charging along your routes.
• Track days and high-RPM thrills: Chevrolet LT6 (Corvette Z06) or Porsche 4.0 NA flat-six (911 GT3) for durability under sustained loads.
• Tuning and balanced performance: BMW B58 3.0L for strong aftermarket support and reliability headroom.
• Towing and work: GM LT-series V8s for simple, proven torque delivery and serviceability across North America.
• Urban stop-and-go: Small hybrids (Toyota 2.0L) for efficiency in traffic; or compact EVs if home charging is easy.

Choosing by use case minimizes compromise: you’ll get more of what you value and spend less where it doesn’t matter to you.

Trends to Watch in 2025–2026

Engine tech isn’t standing still. If you’re shopping soon, these developments may influence what “best” looks like over the next model years.

• Next-gen efficiency plays: automakers (including Toyota) targeting mid‑40s% thermal efficiency in hybrid-focused engines.
• Smaller, hotter turbos with 48V or high-voltage hybrids to fill lag and cut emissions without sacrificing output.
• Alternative fuels: e-fuel pilots for performance brands to keep iconic engines viable under tightening CO₂ rules.
• Continued EV motor gains: higher specific power and simplified gearsets, making electric powertrains lighter and even more efficient.

Expect hybrids to dominate mainstream ICE development while halo cars preserve the most charismatic engines at the top of the market, and EVs keep raising the bar for everyday performance.

Bottom Line

There isn’t one universally “best” car engine—there are best fits. For most buyers in 2025, Toyota’s 2.5L Dynamic Force hybrid offers the smartest total package of efficiency, reliability, and affordability. If your priorities skew toward lap times or engineering theater, the Corvette’s LT6, AMG’s M139, Porsche’s 4.0, and Koenigsegg’s TFG each lead their niches. And if you’re open to electric, modern PMSM-based powertrains deliver performance and efficiency that are hard for combustion to match.

Summary

Best overall for most: Toyota 2.5L Dynamic Force hybrid. Best NA performance: Chevrolet LT6 V8. Best power density (I4): Mercedes-AMG M139. Best all-round turbo six: BMW B58. Most innovative ICE: Koenigsegg TFG. Electric motors set the efficiency and response benchmark where charging fits your life. Choose based on how you drive, not just on spec-sheet glory.

What car engine is the most reliable?

Some of the most reliable car engines are the Toyota 22R and 2AZ-FE, the Honda B-Series and K-Series (K20/K24), the GM LS V8, the Toyota UZ-FE, and the BMW N52 inline-6. Known for their durability and longevity, these engines often reach high mileage (over 200,000 to 400,000+ miles) with proper maintenance, such as regular oil changes.
 
Here is a breakdown of some top reliable engines:

• Toyota 22R Opens in new tab(1981-1997): A classic, naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder engine with a proven track record for lasting 400,000+ miles with proper care. 
• Toyota 2AZ-FE Opens in new tab(2000s): A chain-driven, naturally aspirated 2.5L 4-cylinder engine used in models like the Camry and RAV4, known for longevity with few oil or timing issues. 
• Honda B-Series (B18C) Opens in new tab(1989-2001): This family of engines helped cement Honda’s reputation for reliability, with many reaching 300,000+ miles. 
• Honda K-Series (K20/K24) Opens in new tab(2000s-present): Featuring timing chains and i-VTEC, these engines are considered virtually indestructible and can easily last over 300,000 miles. 
• GM LS V8: Opens in new tabA favorite among American V8 fans, this engine is known for its strong construction, reliability, and a robust aftermarket for parts. 
• Toyota UZ-FE: Opens in new tabThis 4.0L to 4.7L V8 engine is a Lexus luxury powerhouse known for its engineering excellence, lasting reliability, and refinement. 
• BMW N52: Opens in new tabA dependable, non-turbo 3.0L inline-6 known for its simple construction and fewer failure-prone electronic components, found in some BMW 3-Series and 5-Series models. 

Key Factors for Engine Longevity:

• Maintenance: Consistent oil changes are crucial for any engine’s life. 
• Engine Type: Naturally aspirated engines often have fewer complex systems, leading to greater longevity. 
• Simple Design: Engines with fewer moving parts, like the D16 engine, tend to have less internal friction and wear. 
• Timing System: Engines with durable timing chains (like the 2AZ-FE) are often more reliable than those with timing belts. 

Which type of car engine is best?

There is no single “best” engine; “best” depends on your priorities, such as reliability, performance, or fuel efficiency. Highly-regarded engines for reliability include Toyota’s 2JZ and the 22R/RE, along with Honda’s K-Series and B-Series engines, known for their durability and ease of maintenance. For performance, legendary engines like the Toyota 2JZ-GTE, Nissan RB26DETT, and the Ferrari 3.9-litre Twin-turbo V8 are praised for their speed and engineering. Engines like the Hyundai Ioniq’s 1.6-liter hybrid system, on the other hand, are noted for their fuel efficiency. 
For Reliability

• Toyota 2JZ: Opens in new tabA robust and widely respected engine for its durability and long life, according to Carro. 
• Honda K-Series (K20/K24): Opens in new tabKnown for versatility, reliability, and upgrade potential, making them a favorite for performance and enthusiasts. 
• Toyota 22R/22RE: Opens in new tabSimple, rugged, and nearly bulletproof, these old-school Toyota motors are built to last and are easy to maintain. 
• Mercedes-Benz OM617: Opens in new tabA durable and long-lasting diesel engine known for its simple, heavy-duty components. 

For Performance

• Ferrari 3.9-litre Twin-turbo V8: This engine won the International Engine of the Year award multiple times for its outstanding performance and power. 
• Toyota 2JZ-GTE: A legendary engine praised for its reliability and performance, capable of handling significant power. 
• Nissan RB26DETT: A high-performance engine famous in the racing world for its speed and power. 
• Mercedes-AMG M139: A powerful and high-revving engine known for its impressive performance. 

For Fuel Efficiency 

• Hyundai Ioniq (1.6-liter Hybrid): This engine-hybrid system offers exceptional miles-per-gallon, making it one of the most fuel-efficient options available.

Why “Best” is Subjective

• Your Driving Needs: Opens in new tabIf you need a reliable daily driver, a Toyota or Honda engine might be best, while a performance enthusiast might look for a Ferrari or Nissan engine. 
• Maintenance: Opens in new tabSome engines, like the Toyota 22R/RE, are praised for being simple and easy to work on, reducing maintenance costs over time. 
• Longevity: Opens in new tabSome engines are built to last for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues, while others are designed for peak performance. 

Which car has the least engine problems?

Cars known for having the least engine problems are often Toyota and Lexus models, particularly the Corolla, RAV4 Hybrid, and Lexus NX Hybrid, due to their conservative engineering and extensive testing. Other reliable brands include Honda (especially their hybrids) and Mazda (with their Skyactiv-G engines). For those interested in used cars, brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Subaru also offer models with strong reliability scores.
 
You can watch this video to learn about 17 cars that are known for their reliability: 58sCar Care CluesYouTube · Jan 29, 2025
Top Brands and Models for Engine Reliability

• Toyota & Lexus: . Opens in new tabThese brands are consistently ranked among the most reliable, with models like the Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and Lexus NX Hybrid earning top reliability scores. They achieve this through conservative engineering and thorough testing. 
• Honda: . Opens in new tabHonda, particularly their hybrid vehicles, are known for reliability. Hybrids reduce engine wear and tear by relying less on the traditional internal combustion engine. 
• Mazda: . Opens in new tabMazda’s Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engines are a strong point of reliability across many of their models. 
• Hyundai: . Opens in new tabThe Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is noted for its reliability, making Hyundai a strong contender. 
• Subaru: . Opens in new tabSubaru also holds high reliability rankings, with models like the Impreza and Legacy showing good reliability. 

Why These Models Are Reliable

• Proven Engines: Opens in new tabBrands like Toyota have a long-standing reputation for durability and quality, with engines that are designed to last for hundreds of thousands of miles. 
• Conservative Engineering: Opens in new tabA philosophy of building robust, less-complex engines can contribute to long-term reliability, as there are fewer high-tech systems to potentially fail. 
• Hybrid Technology: Opens in new tabHybrids can be more reliable in some aspects because the engine doesn’t have to work as hard, and there are fewer traditional components like alternators and transmissions. 

Which car engine lasts the longest?

Top 10 Most Reliable Engines That Just Won’t Die – Honorable Mentions

Engine	Key Vehicles
Toyota 1GR-FE 4.0L	Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser
Honda B18C	Acura Integra GS-R, JDM Civics
Chevrolet 5.7L Vortec V8 engine	Chevy Silverado, Suburban
Toyota 2JZ-GE	Toyota Supra (non-turbo), Lexus IS300